“Things I think about when I’m alone” Journal Topic “Things I think about when I’m alone”

Essential Question: What themes, motifs, and values are present in the literature of Japan?

Shinto Religion Shinto – “way of the gods” worship of divine spirits (kami) found in nature and ancestors Probably derives from china

Mt. Fuji – the sacred mountain of Shinto

The Philosophy of Zen Not a religion – a form of meditative practice No book, no ritual, not place of worship No preaching Focus on the inner self through meditation (zazen) Objective: Free the mind from conventional thought/practice Suppression of the ego (the self) to achieve understanding of one’s own nature (Buddha-nature) Achieve a state of awakening - Satori

The Philosophy of Zen Zen Buddhism – Japanese offshoot of traditional Buddhism. Questioned intellectualism of traditional Buddhist forms. Practices: Meditation Concentration Self-discipline Used in all aspects of life tea ceremony landscape designs martial arts

Zen Garden

The 4 Noble Truths Life means suffering The origin of suffering is attachment The cessation of suffering is attainable The path to the cessation of suffering

The Eightfold Path Wisdom 1. Right View 2. Right Intention Ethical conduct 3. Right Speech 4. Right Action 5. Right livelihood Concentration 6. Right effort 7. Right mindfulness 8. Right concentration

Zen Sayings Before enlightenment, I chopped wood and carried water. After enlightenment, I chopped wood and carried water. No seed ever sees the flower. Sitting quietly, doing nothing, spring comes, and the grass grows by itself. Heaven and earth and I are of the same root, The ten-thousand things and I are of one substance.

No Mind – The way to enlightenment Zen Parables No Mind – The way to enlightenment

“Empty Your Cup” A university professor went to visit a famous Zen master. While the master quietly served tea, the professor talked about Zen. The master poured the visitor's cup to the brim, and then kept pouring. The professor watched the overflowing cup until he could no longer restrain himself. "It's overfull! No more will go in!" the professor blurted. "You are like this cup," the master replied, "How can I show you Zen unless you first empty your cup."

“Chasing Two Rabbits” A martial arts student approached his teacher with a question. "I'd like to improve my knowledge of the martial arts. In addition to learning from you, I'd like to study with another teacher in order to learn another style. What do you think of this idea?" "The hunter who chases two rabbits," answered the master, "catches neither one."

Muddy Road What “problem” is presented? How are the 4 noble truths are presented? How is the Eightfold path presented?

A Parable What “problem” is presented? How are the 4 noble truths presented? How is the Eightfold path presented?

The Thief Who Became a Disciple What “problem” is presented? How are the 4 noble truths presented? How is the Eightfold path presented?

The Taste of Banzo’s Sword What “problem” is presented? How are the 4 noble truths presented? How is the Eightfold path presented?